Nervous tic: what it is, causes and treatment (to stop it)

A nervous tic is the involuntary contraction of muscles in a repetitive manner, causing a motor or vocal action, such as blinking the eyes several times, moving the head or sniffing the nose. Nervous tics can be triggered by some everyday situations, such as stress, anxiety and excessive tiredness.

Tics usually appear in childhood and usually disappear without any type of treatment during adolescence or early adulthood.

Tics are not serious and, in most cases, do not interfere with daily activities. However, when tics are more complex and occur more frequently, it is important to consult a neurologist or psychiatrist to make a diagnosis, as it could be Tourette’s Syndrome, for example.

Main symptoms

The main symptoms of tic disorder are:

• Eyes blinking repetitively;
• Moving the head, such as tilting it back and forth or side to side;
• Biting your lips or moving your mouth;
• Move your nose;
• Shrug your shoulders;
• Faces.

In addition to motor tics, there may also be tics related to the emission of sounds, such as coughing, clicking the tongue and sniffing the nose, for example.

Tics are normally mild and not limiting, however there is still a lot of prejudice and unpleasant comments related to people with nervous tics, which can result in isolation, a reduction in the circle of affection, a lack of desire to leave the house or carry out activities that were previously pleasant and even depression.

What is the difference between tic disorder and Tourette’s syndrome?

Compared to Tourette’s syndrome, nervous tics are milder and more discreet, not having as much impact on the person’s quality of life.

Tourette’s syndrome is characterized by more frequent and complex tics that can compromise the person’s quality of life, as in addition to common tics, such as blinking, for example, there are also punches, kicks, buzzing, noisy breathing and chest beating. , for example, with all movements being carried out involuntarily.

Many people with the syndrome develop impulsive, aggressive and self-destructive behaviors and children often have learning difficulties. Learn more about Tourette syndrome.

Causes of nervous tic

The causes of nervous tics are not yet well understood, but they usually occur as a result of excessive and frequent tiredness, stress and anxiety disorders. However, people who are under constant stress or feel anxious most of the time will not necessarily experience tics.

Some people believe that the occurrence of tics is related to a failure in one of the brain circuits due to genetic changes, which causes greater production of dopamine, stimulating involuntary muscle contractions.

How is tic disorder treated?

Nervous tics usually disappear during adolescence or early adulthood, and no treatment is necessary. However, it is recommended that people undergo treatment for tics when they interfere with their daily activities, such as work and studies, for example, when there is discomfort, in the presence of emotional changes, such as depression or anxiety, or when tics interfere in social life.

Therefore, the use of adrenergic or antipsychotic medications may be indicated, such as clonididine, fluphenazine, risperidone or botulinum toxin, for example, which must be prescribed by the psychiatrist according to the type of tic, its severity and the symptoms present.

Psychotherapy is also indicated in the treatment of tics, with the cognitive-behavioral technique being the most used, which can be done individually or in group sessions aimed at tolerating or inhibiting the nervous tic.